Monday Night Football open thread: Ravens at Browns

Oh, how a season can change. Tonight’s edition of Monday Night Football features two AFC teams with playoff dreams on the line, but both teams on two very different trajectories.

Entering the 2020 season, the Baltimore Ravens were favorites with the Kansas City Chiefs to reign supreme over the AFC. Only half of that statement has come to fruition, and unfortunately for Baltimore, it is the Chiefs that are dominating. Baltimore’s season started decently enough with a 5-1 record. Things have spiraled downwards from there, however, dropping four of their last six games. The team was hit hard with COVID, forcing the roster into a difficult situation for their recent game against the Steelers, but the offense has not been the powerhouse it was last year. The Ravens are in danger of not making the playoffs after a 14-2 season.

The Cleveland Browns, meanwhile, are surging towards the postseason, a feat they have not achieved since 2002. After losing badly to the Ravens in Week 1, the team has rebounded nicely aside from two duds versus the Steelers and Raiders. At 9-3, they sit third in the AFC North, but with Pittsburgh losing two-straight games, the division title is up for grabs. With two games against the New York teams on the horizon, winning tonight against a division rival would be instrumental to staying ahead in the playoff race.

Here’s how to watch tonight’s game:

Date: Monday, December 14, 2020
Time: 8:15 p.m. ET
Location: FirstEnergy Stadium - Cleveland, OH
TV: ESPN
Announcers: Steve Levy, Brian Griese, Louis Riddick & Lisa Salters
Online: Watch ESPN, NFL Gamepass